GENERAL INFORMATION
Features: The Kent catchment has a number of interesting features; it is the smallest catchment in the program and has no urban centres. It is the only focus catchment in which agroforestry and hardwood plantation enterprises are being actively promoted and established. About 65% of the catchment has been cleared and 27% has remnant vegetation remaining on alienated land. Salinisation in the Kent has become a major concern partly because it is considered a potential potable water supply catchment for future development in Western Australia. Stringent land clearing controls were applied as a result.
Area: 185,000ha
Climate: Rainfall ~ 550mm (Tenterden) to 730mm (Rocky Gully).
Growing Season ~ 7.5 months (Tenterden) to 8.5 months (Rocky Gully).
Evaporation ~ 1400-1600mm/yr.
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Main Landuse: 112 farmed enterprises. Predominantly grazing of merino sheep and beef cattle. 15% of the land is cropped, but likely to increase. Potential for increased agroforestry (blue gums), viticulture and horticulture.
Salinity Issues:
Dryland Salinity: Cranbrook Shire (3.3%) Plantagenet Shire (1.7%)
Stream Salinity: Mean - 1750mg/l increasing at 58mg/l/yr since 1965.
Waterlogging: Estimated > 33% of catchment severely affected between May-October.
Other Issues: Sodicity, acidity, erosion, eutrophication, remnant vegetation decline, economic decline/structural adjustment.
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